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On Hearts and Minds

Friday, November 30, 2012

On Hearts and Minds

by

Abby Zimet

In the wake of the U.N. vote giving Palestine observer state status - 138-9, with only Israel, Canada, the U.S. and a handful of others voting no - debate rages as to what the vote does or does not mean. Many argue that even if largely symbolic, the vote could signal fundamental changes for Palestinians in the long run. For now, it may be enough to simply relish the triumphant photos of Palestinians celebrating a too-rare victory. From one observer: "When did hearts and minds become insignificant?" More photos here and here.

Further

With the toxic Bibi circus in town - cue talk of "tentacles of terror" - find hope in the extraordinary Combatants For Peace, a joint effort by weary Israeli and Palestinian veterans of violence who've laid down their guns to fight for peace. Led by a former IDF soldier and Fatah militant who both lost daughters to the conflict's "unrightable wrongs," they insist on the need to "hear what is painful" and talk to your 'enemies': "Partners for peace always exist. You only have to look for them."